The United States Navy (USN) is the maritime branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, established in its current form in 1794, with roots tracing back to the Continental Navy of 1775. As designated in the Constitution, the U.S. Navy's mission is to protect America at sea, defending freedom, preserving economic prosperity, and keeping the seas open. It operates as part of the Department of the Navy, alongside the Marine Corps, both of which fall under the Department of Defense.
The U.S. Navy is considered the world's most powerful navy, with the largest displacement, and it possesses the largest aircraft carrier fleet. As of 2023, it maintains 299 deployable combat vessels and approximately 4,012 operational aircraft. In 2025, the Navy has 344,600 active-duty personnel and 101,583 in the Ready Reserve, making it the third-largest branch in terms of personnel within the U.S. military. The Navy also employs 210,024 civilian personnel. About 90.4% of Navy members are stationed in the United States and its territories, with the largest percentages in Virginia and California.
